FAQs – Taking part in a research study

Please see this great webpage below from the NIHR on taking part in research: Take part in a study | NIHR.

If you are approached about a study by a clinician, you will be provided with detailed information, as well as a document called a Patient Information Sheet (PIS). This is made by the team who created the research study, meant to provide you with all of the information required to make an informed decision.

You do not need to decide straight away if you would like to take part. There will be a chance to read through the information thoroughly, weigh the benefits and risks, think of and ask questions, and discuss with your family/friends. Due to the nature of some studies, the decision may be required sooner than others, but you will not be pressured into a decision by our team.

Every study is different so we will not be able to generalise what will be needed from you. The research team will be able to inform you what is needed specifically from you, so please direct any questions to them.

The subject of payments differs between each study. In some cases, you may be reimbursed travel expenses up to an amount. However, it is unlikely that you will be paid specifically for taking part. Please direct this question to a member of the research team to answer for you.

Each Trust has a R&D team whose role it is to ensure all approvals are in place. At MKUH, we have a dedicated Research Governance team who take on this responsibility.

In addition to this, every member of staff who takes part in research activities need to have completed their Good Clinical Practice training. This is a requirement set by the National Institute of Health and Care Research, and the training needs to be refreshed every 2 years at MKUH.

When a study is designed, every effort is made to reduce any risk to patients. Before any clinical research can start, it is subject to thorough review from all applicable regulatory authorities and the NHS.

In the study of new treatments and investigations, the researchers may be aware of some side effects, but there is also the possibility of unknown side effects. It is important to bear in mind that all treatments and investigations could potentially cause side effects.

We will carefully monitor your health during the study, and you should tell us about any illnesses or changes in your body that you notice.